Against the Tide

In the early 1960’s, segregation of blacks and whites in America was prevelent, and prejudice against African Americans was the norm. Yet in the midst of this society, there were a few that stood up for integration and equality. They could have been quiet and gone along with the majority, but they chose otherwise. They were willing to face ridicule and hardship because their conscience knew that equal rights was truly just and fair. Now in this current day, all races of people have freedom in America because a select few were willing to go against the tide.
In the Bible, Paul was raised under the most devout and strictest sect of Pharisees. Paul thought he was doing his nation’s service by persecuting and killing the minority group of Christians. In Paul’s terrible zeal to kill Christ’s followers, he was actually persecuting the group that was following the truth. By divine intervention, Paul realized that he was awfully wrong and determined to preach the truth in Christ. Instead of persecuting the Christians, Paul devoted the rest of his life to spreading Christ’s gospel to other countries and lands. Paul went against the norms of society to stand for the truth. He was willing to endure trial and persecution for the truth in God. We have freedom of religion in America because of those who stood for the rights of Christians and all people.
Sometimes we have to stand firm for the truth even when it is unpopular. In the workplace, companies do not always do what is just and fair. Many firms are profit-driven, regardless of principle. In our daily life, we are often faced with decisions to either follow the way of ease or the way of truth and justice.
At the close of earth’s history, true Christians will face many hardships. They will be faced with decisions to follow the tide of popularity or one of principle. History will be repeated, and people will be persecuted for following Christ’s teachings. Yet, God always guides and protects his people. In II Corinthians 4:8,9,17 the Bible says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;…For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
When we stand up for the right, it will always be far worth any hardship experienced. God promises to carry us through the difficulties. We would greatly benefit and very well make a powerful difference in the lives of people around us. We may not see the results this life, but the far-reaching benefits will be clearly revealed in the future.
Cynthia Ly Lan Nguyen